New Books in Economics
Marshall Poe
This podcast is a channel on the New Books Network. The New Books Network is an academic audio library dedicated to public education. In each episode you will hear scholars discuss their recently published research with another expert in their field.
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Discover our 150+ channels and browse our 28,000+ episodes on our website: newbooksnetwork.com
Subscribe to our free weekly Substack newsletter to get informative, engaging content straight to your inbox: https://newbooksnetwork.substack.com/
Follow us on Instagram and Bluesky to learn about more our latest interviews: @newbooksnetworkSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/economics
Episodes
Mentioned books
May 31, 2025 • 34min
Nicholas Chesterley, "Future-Generation Government: How to Legislate for the Long Term" (McGill-Queen's UP, 2025)
Nicholas Chesterley, a behavioral scientist and author of Future-Generation Government, discusses innovative strategies for long-term legislation. He highlights the necessity of sustainable policymaking and the impact of short-term political pressures on long-term governance. Chesterley introduces the concept of 'red teams' to challenge proposals, enhancing decision-making through constructive debate. He emphasizes adaptive governance and the role of public engagement in shaping policies that resonate with future generations, using real-world examples to illustrate his points.
May 25, 2025 • 1h 2min
Tim Minshall, "How Things Are Made: A Journey Through the Hidden World of Manufacturing" (Ecco, 2025)
Tim Minshall, a Professor at Cambridge University, specializes in manufacturing and has authored the book exploring its hidden processes. He shares fascinating insights about how everyday products reach us and reflects on the pandemic's impact on manufacturing perceptions. The conversation covers the role of technology, such as AI and robotics, in transforming the industry and the balancing act between tradition and innovation. Minshall also discusses the urgent need for sustainability and planning in the face of global challenges and labor shortages.
9 snips
May 23, 2025 • 52min
Empire of Gain: Inside Trump’s Billion-Dollar Crypto Hustle
Join journalist Matt Binder, a crypto expert, and Edward Luce from the Financial Times as they delve into the Trump family's billion-dollar crypto ventures. They explore Trump's connection to cryptocurrencies, including the controversial launch of Trump coin and his $2 billion investment in Binance. The discussion raises ethical concerns over political influence, regulatory challenges, and the risks associated with cryptocurrency, including personal safety and organized crime. They also reveal the dark realities faced by crypto entrepreneurs in a volatile market.
May 21, 2025 • 1h 1min
Charles Hecker, "Zero Sum: The Arc of International Business in Russia" (Oxford UP, 2025)
Charles Hecker, a seasoned journalist and business consultant, dives into the tumultuous relationship between Western businesses and the Russian market. He recounts gripping stories from those who navigated the chaotic environment post-Soviet Union, emphasizing the allure of quick profits amid corruption and danger. He reflects on the transformation of business during Putin's rise, the profound impact of the Ukraine invasion, and the regrets shared by many who prioritized gain over ethical considerations. Hecker paints a vivid picture of risk-taking in a landscape that turned hostile.
May 19, 2025 • 44min
Andrew Ofstehage, "Welcome to Soylandia: Transnational Farmers in the Brazilian Cerrado" (Cornell UP, 2025)
Andrew Ofstehage, an economic and environmental anthropologist, dives into the world of transnational farming in Brazil. He discusses how U.S. Midwest farmers flock to Brazil, turning traditional practices into industrial models, raising questions about sustainability. The challenges these farmers face include navigating local cultures and regulatory hurdles while managing 'flexible farms.' Ofstehage highlights the tensions between profit-driven practices and community connections, revealing fascinating insights into the dynamics of globalized agriculture.
May 17, 2025 • 55min
Nicholas Borst, "The Bird and the Cage: China’s Economic Contradictions" (Palgrave MacMillan, 2025)
Nicholas Borst, Vice President at Seafarer Capital Partners, discusses his insightful book, exploring China's economic contradictions. He delves into the Communist Party's balancing act between state control and market reform, and how this tension impacts Xi Jinping's policies. Borst breaks down the complexities of capital allocation, revealing the government's favoritism towards large, state-sanctioned projects at the expense of small businesses. He also addresses China's quest for economic self-reliance, particularly in the electric vehicle market, highlighting the interplay between innovation and regulatory challenges.
May 15, 2025 • 53min
Lucia Soriano, "Embodying Normalcy: Women's Work in Neoliberal Times" (Lexington Books, 2024)
Lucia Soriano, an assistant professor specializing in women's studies and ethnic studies, dives deep into her book about women's unpaid work in neoliberal America. She discusses how societal beauty standards and the pressure to conform have evolved, particularly through reality TV and social media. Soriano unpacks the concept of 'normalcy' in women's labor and critiques cultural representations of women in neoliberal contexts. She also shares insights on navigating academia while emphasizing the importance of personal agency amidst societal expectations.
May 14, 2025 • 45min
Júlia Király, "Hungary and Other Emerging EU Countries in the Financial Storm: From Minor Troubles to Global Hurricane" (Springer, 2020)
Júlia Király, an associate professor in Budapest and former deputy governor of the Hungarian National Bank, shares her frontline experiences during Hungary's financial turmoil. She discusses how Viktor Orbán's government challenged central bank independence post-crisis and the alarming parallels with global political shifts, particularly regarding Donald Trump's influence on democracy. Király highlights the importance of transparent decision-making within central banks and the ongoing struggle to restore investor confidence amidst political chaos in Hungary.
May 12, 2025 • 26min
Patrick Condon, "Broken City: Land Speculation, Inequality, and Urban Crisis" (U British Columbia Press, 2024)
Patrick Condon, the James Taylor chair in Landscape and Livable Environments at the University of British Columbia, shares insights from his book on urban land speculation and inequality. He discusses how land has evolved into a speculative asset, significantly impacting housing costs. Condon critiques conventional solutions to the housing crisis and advocates for land value taxation and inclusionary zoning as bold strategies to reclaim urban space for the common good. He also reflects on Henry George's legacy and his proposals for addressing these pressing urban issues.
May 11, 2025 • 48min
Maron E. Greenleaf, "Forest Lost: Producing Green Capitalism in the Brazilian Amazon" (Duke UP, 2024)
Maron E. Greenleaf, a cultural anthropologist and political ecologist at Dartmouth, dives deep into green capitalism in the Brazilian Amazon. She discusses the complexities of forest carbon offsets, revealing how they serve both ecological and economic purposes. Greenleaf also highlights the intertwined history of rubber tapping and colonialism, along with the socio-economic dynamics driving deforestation. Her insights showcase the intriguing yet challenging relationships between local communities, biodiversity, and the evolving landscape of environmental policy.
